Daniel – Part 1 – Living Among Lions
In the Book of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar takes siege of Jerusalem, leading to the deportation of Judah’s treasures and many of the young nobility to Babylon. Among the captives are Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They are selected to undergo a rigorous education in Babylonian language and literature. Daniel resolves not to defile himself with royal food and wine, requesting instead a diet of vegetables and water. This week’s theme, ‘Lion’s Den Strategies’, focuses on recognizing God’s active role in our lives in challenging situations, developing our own convictions and holding them graciously, and our calling to serve with excellence.
Read: Daniel 1:1-21
Discuss
- Read Daniel 1:1-2. How did the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem impact Daniel and his friends?
- How did Daniel maintain his faith in a foreign land? What is the significance of their refusal to eat the king’s food? (verse 8)
- In verse 9, we see that God gave Daniel favour and compassion in the sight of the chief of the palace eunuchs. How does this reflect the idea that God is actively involved in our relationships and circumstances? Can you share a personal experience where you felt God’s favour in a tricky situation?
- Daniel and his friends were faced with a cultural and spiritual challenge in Babylon. How did they maintain their integrity, and what does this teach us about living out our faith in challenging environments?
- Reflecting on Daniel’s resolve not to defile himself, how can we develop and hold onto our convictions while being gracious to those around us who may not share our beliefs? Why can this be so difficult?
- Daniel and his friends served with excellence, even in a foreign land and under a pagan king. How can we apply this principle to our own work and community, especially in environments that may not align with our values?
- Jeremiah 29:7 encourages us to pray for the welfare of the city where we live. How can we effectively engage in this practice? What impact might it have on our communities?
Respond
There will be a plethora of things that capture our gaze daily. It might be your career, finance, relationship, or family to name a few. However, those things do not last. Sometimes they can even chain us down. We must gaze upon Jesus, as He will give us life and have it to the full (John 10:10). As we start the year, how can you focus more on gazing upon Jesus this year? What is one thing you can start today to change this?
Daniel – Part 2 – Facing the furnace
As we look at the book of Daniel, we have seen King Nebuchadnezzar conquer Jerusalem, and carry off many of the treasures, as well as the young nobles who were the best of the Israelite boys, for them to serve the King in Babylon. Three of these young men who were renamed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had stood up with grace for their own convictions on what they would eat in the Kings court, along with Daniel.
Now these same three young men are further tested, when they are called to bow down to worship an enormous golden image of the King, in which they again stood by their strong convictions not just with grace, but also now with great courage too. These three young men proclaimed that they would not bow down to the image, and that they would only worship the one true God, even at the potential cost of their own lives. The consequence for this stance was for them to be thrown in the fiery furnace, yet God miraculously saved them, and opened the Kings eyes to who is the one and only true God to be worshipped.
Read: Daniel 3:1-30.
Discuss
- Re-read the story out loud and share one element of the story that you believe God wants you to take notice of, that you may not have noticed before. Share this. What does God want you to learn from this story today?
- Think of a time when you were in a position where you needed to stand up for your personal convictions at the threat of a personal cost. Share with the group the challenge of this situation. Why was it a challenge for you? How did you go?
- Read V 16-18. The three young men felt that they did not need to defend their position, that God would be their defender. Such a stance requires great trust, courage, and conviction. How can we build trust in God to this level? What might it take for us to have such faith in God in a time of trial? What disciplines did these three young men already have in place prior to their time of trial?
- The three young men could have compromised to play safe when told to bow down to the image, yet they chose to take a stance at the potential cost of their own lives. What are the non-negotiable issues for you that you would not compromise on? Is it OK to compromise in some areas of our faith? can you think of any biblical examples where compromise happened and what the outcomes were?
- Is there currently area of your life that you have compromised, that God wants you to now take a stand for?
The three stood with courage and in confidence that their God would resolve the issue that the faced one way of another. Could you have this confidence in God if faced with the possibility of death for your belief? What gave these boys this confidence? What could build your confidence in God? - Read Vs 21-25. The three young men were in the predicament together. Why is it often easier to face a significant challenge with others, rather than doing so alone? What was the significance of the fourth person who was seen in the fire with them? Who do you lean on in times of challenge?
Respond
In our everyday lives, it is often when we are willing to take a stance with courage and grace that others can see what we are passionate about. The risk is that we can also play safe and blend in with what everyone else is doing, and thus not be the witness for God that we are called to be.
What is one area of your life that God is calling you to take a courageous and graceful stance for Him today?”
Daniel – Part 3 – Stepping Into Your Anointing
The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:10, “we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
In Daniel 1:17, God gives Daniel the special ability to interpret visions and dreams. When it is time to use this gift, Daniel shows confidence in God and his anointing. Even though his life is at stake, Daniel stands before King Nebuchadnezzar in full confidence, knowing that God will use him and help him. He knows who God made him to be, what his calling is, and where God wants him.
Read: Daniel 2:1-28, 48-49
Discuss
- After reading passages above, have one or two people re-tell the story in their own words. Then, give everyone a chance to share what stood out for them.
- What is one thing you are passionate about and confident in doing? (Think of an activity you will immediately say ‘yes’ to.) Share.
- Read Daniel 2:14-16. What character traits can you identify from Daniel’s response in these verses?
- Pastor Dale emphasised that Daniel’s story did not happen at church — Daniel brought his gift to work. How have you seen or experienced someone bringing and exercising their anointing in your workplace or a secular place? Why might this be a challenge?
- Read verses 25-28. What is the significance of Daniel’s answer to King Nebuchadnezzar’s question? Why is it important for Daniel to answer the question this way?
- How can we discern and respond to God’s calling in our lives? What steps can we take to align our passions and talents with God’s purpose in our lives?
Respond
We began by identifying God’s gift for Daniel, and the reading ended with God being glorified because Daniel used his gift (verse 46-47). No matter what our gifts, we are to use them for God’s glory. If you are yet to discover your gifting, start by tapping into what you are passionate about. Take a step and see how it plays out. If you do it confidently and humbly, you may be surprised at the good things God has planned.